Aides (COMPLETED)

Forty-One

Aides

I wake up the next day entangled under my beautiful wife Persephone. My heart beamed as I saw her gentle nature.

How her lips bent thoughtfully with delight.
Her chest rose and fell between each gentle breath.

She was mine forever, and I would never love another.

I run my fingers through her thick and curly mane as she dreamed peacefully; probably dreaming of the sky.

"Wake up my queen" I say, softly coaxing her to rise. She blinks carefully and bent her head to place soft kisses across my chest, taking relish as she felt my warmth.

"Good morning restless beauty" I whisper against her cheek. She continued to stretch awake, pulling my jaw to inspect my face, rubbing her fingers against the stubble that grazed my skin. "Are you disappointed that I am the first thing you see?" I teased her knowing she felt the complete opposite. She giggles lazily at my play and rests her head against my chest. "Good morning my valiant king" she whispered and leaned up to kiss my lips.  "I am still so tired...and sore" she complained, softly nuzzling her lips against my neck.

"We must wake to start the day. We have visitors coming to our throne room"

"But I want to lay in bed all day with you" she pouted, sitting up to face me.

"We can't." I kiss her lips softly and pull her off my waist. I stand up to start my shower but she throws her arms around my neck, coaxing me to remain.

"Come Kore. Let us shower together. Will that will wake you up?"

She giggles girlishly as I lift her behind my back and we shower together in love.

——
Kore

"The black gown I wanted to wear is in my other room" I announced, wiping my legs dry with another towel. Aides and I had just finished bathing...well...bathing among other things.

"I will call for the demons to bring them" he nodded and paced over to the entrance to alert the guards. Just as I begin to cream my body, I gasped at the picture of my reflection. Black bruises painted my body and stomach. "Aides...what did you do to me?" I whispered with regret. He chuckles and kisses my neck in love. "It's called love marks my Queen. They will heal." he assured me. His words did nothing for me and I only began to cry. He only watches in amusement as tears dripped to my thighs. "You think this is funny?"

He pulled me into his arms and violently kisses my lips, his attempt in apologizing. "No Kore...but is not that serious. Are you not my wife?"

"I am" I whispered, resting my cheek against his chest.

"These marks prove that you are mine; and no one will see them. Are you ashamed of them?"

"No...I am sad because it looks as if you were violent with me."

"Who cares" he spat, taking my chin into his palm, "If it bothers you so much, I will get a potion that will make them dissapear. Is that what you want?" he asked.

I nodded innocently, making sure to rest against his torso. "It is done." he replied coldly and turned to leave the room "I'll meet you downstairs" he announced.

"You will not wait for me?"

"I have something to take care of before the people arrive" he informs me and leaves the room. I continued to observe myself in the mirror and blush as I see the black bruises and handprints. Did I over-react? He seemed distant the minute I complained? Maybe I needed to embrace my new marks with pride. The demons came in with my blue dress and crown and dressed me for the day.